Traditionally speaking, this part of Missouri is a hotbed for athletic talent.
Local schools are legendary for the athletes they have produced, many of whom went on to successful careers in college and professional sports.
Because of my size and strength as a child, my Dad was sure I would end up a Springfield sports icon. Dad was wrong about that. Thanks to a random car accident I was injured, and although I can move around just fine these days, any dreams of a sports career were dead in the water. With such a high level of competition in Springfield, there was no way I could continue, because I would never be 100% again. Did you know that as of the last US census, there were 67 different towns named Springfield? I like to think that ours in Missouri is the best Springfield of them all when it comes to sports. I had to make a choice about my future, and my guidance counselor suggested I look into HVAC work. Since my grades were poor, and I was rough and tough, he thought that the construction industry in Springfield would be a great place for me to start a career. A skilled tradesperson, like a plumber, a roofer, or an HVAC tech, can make great money here, because the demand for new construction is always high in Springfield and the surrounding areas. Truth be told I never thought I was good enough to go pro, or even to get a football scholarship at any of the Springfield colleges. I’ll do great as an HVAC tech.